Full text of "USPTO Patents Application 10597633"

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(19)

Europaisches Patentamt
European Patent Office
Office europeen des brevets

(11)

EP 1 364 636 A1

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EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43)

Date of publication:

(51) lntCl7: A61H 1/02

26.1 1 .2003 Bulletin 2003/48

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Application nunnber: 03010137.2

(22)

Date of filing: 05.05.2003

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Designated Contracting States:

. THKCo., Ltd.

AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE

ES Fl FR GB GR

Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-8503 (JP)

HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE

: SI SK TR

Designated Extension States:

(72) Inventors:

AL LT LV MK

• Mitsuishi, Mamoru

Tokyo 136-0072 (JP)

(30)

Priority: 08.05.2002 JP 2002132222

• Nakazawa, Toji

Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-8503 (JP)

(71)

Applicants:

•

Mitsuishi, Mamoru

(74) Representative: Klunker . Schmitt-Nilson . Hirsch

Tokyo 136-0072 (JP)

Winzererstrasse 106

80797 Munchen (DE)

(54) Repositioning apparatus

(57) The repositioning apparatus of the invention in-
cludes a supporting bed for supporting at least a lower
body of a patient, who needs repositioning therapy on
his/her leg, a lower leg supporting bed for supporting a
lower leg of the patient, a first movable table for allowing
the lower leg supporting bed to move about a substan-
tially horizontal axis, a first drive unit for driving the first
movable table, a second movable table for moving the

lower leg supporting bed in the substantially horizontal
direction, and a second drive unit for driving the second
movable table. Accordingly, the repositioning apparatus
can make the lower leg of the patient perform a twisting
action and a bending and stretching action, which are
inevitable action for repositioning the patient's lower leg.

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR)

EP 1 364 636 A1

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001 1 The present invention relates to a repositioning
apparatus and, more specifically, a repositioning appa-
ratus suitable for giving a lower leg of a patient reposi-
tioning therapy.

[0002] In the case where a bone is fractured or dislo-
cated, repositioning therapy is performed for the pur-
pose of remedy. In the relate art, when performing re-
positioning therapy, a person who gives repositioning
therapy, such as a doctor or a practitioner, makes, by
his own force, the patient's lower leg perform various
actions such as bending, stretching, or twisting.
[0003] However, when making the patient's lower leg
perform various actions, a significant human power is
necessary, which forces the doctor or the practitioner to
do heavy work, and thus the number of patients that the
doctor or the practitioner can give therapy in a day is
small.

[0004] In order to solve such a problem, a joint phys-
ical therapy instrument is proposed in JP-A-11 -56888.
As shown in Fig. 8, a joint physical therapy instrument
1 includes a top plate 2 on which a patient a lies, a fem-
oral region holding unit 3 for supporting a femoral region
b of the patient a in a state of inclining upward, a traction
unit 4 for holding an ankle of the patient a and pulling a
lower leg cin the longitudinal direction, and a rolling unit
5 for holding a head portion of tibia d and rolling in the
vertical direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of
the lower leg c.

[0005] The joint physical therapy instrument 1 can ex-
pand and contract a knee of the patient a by operating
the traction unit 4 and, simultaneously, can shake the
knee laterally by operating the rolling unit 5.
[0006] However, the joint physical therapy instrument
1 in the related art can only make the patient's lower leg
to perform bending, stretching, and shaking in the lateral
direction, and thus cannot contribute to repositioning
therapy. When performing repositioning therapy, the pa-
tient' lower leg is forced to perform a twisting action in
addition to a bending and stretching action. Other ac-
tions, such as moving the lower leg in the upward, down-
ward, right, and left directions or moving the ankle in
various ways, are also required in many cases, and
these actions must still be performed by the human pow-
er of a plurality of persons, including the doctor or the
practitioner and his/her assistants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present inven-
tion to provide a repositioning apparatus that can make
a lower leg of a patient perform actions required for the
purpose of repositioning.

[0008] The present invention is a repositioning appa-
ratus, and is constructed as described below in order to

solve the technical problems described above.
[0009] The repositioning apparatus of the invention

includes a supporting bed for supporting at least a lower
body of a patient , who needs repositioning therapy on

5 his/her leg, a lower leg supporting bed for supporting a
lower leg of the patient, a first movable table for allowing
the lower leg supporting bed to move about a substan-
tially horizontal axis, a first drive unit for driving the first
movable table, a second movable table for moving the

10 lower leg supporting bed in the substantially horizontal
direction, and a second drive unit for driving the second
movable table.

[0010] According to the invention, the repositioning
apparatus can make the lower leg of the patient perform
15 a twisting action (in the direction indicated by an arrow
R) and a bending and stretching action (in the direction
indicated by an arrow Y), which are inevitable action for
repositioning the patient's lower leg.
[0011] The repositioning apparatus according to the
invention may further includes a swinging arm for swing-
ing the lower leg supporting bed in a substantially hori-
zontal plane, a third movable table for moving the lower
leg supporting bed in the substantially vertical direction,
and a third drive unit for driving the third movable table.
[0012] In this case, the apparatus can make the pa-
tient's lower leg perform not only the twisting action (in
the direction indicated by the arrow R) and the bending
and stretching action (in the direction indicated by the
arrow Y) , but also a laterally moving action (in the di-
rection indicated by an arrow X) and a vertically moving
action (in the direction indicated by an arrow Z). Conse-
quently, the repositioning apparatus of the invention can
make the patient's lower leg perform almost all the ac-
tions that is required for repositioning the lower leg.
[0013] In addition, the repositioning apparatus of the
invention may include an arm drive unit, not shown, for
driving the swinging arm.

[0014] The swinging arm may be swung by a human
power, but it can be performed automatically according
to the invention.

[0015] The swinging arm may be telescopic.
[0016] In this arrangement, the repositioning appara-
tus of the invention can cope with patients of any phys-
ical constitutions, such as small, large, adult, child, and
so on, by telescopically adjusting the swinging arm.
[001 7] It is also possible to provide an arm expansion
device for telescopically adjusting the swinging arm.
[0018] Expanding and contracting the swinging arm
can be made by a human power, but in this case, such
actions can be made automatically, and thus almost no
human power is necessary according to the invention.
[0019] Furthermore, the swinging arm can make the
leg perform the laterally moving action (in the direction
indicated by the arrow X), the first movable table can
make the leg perform the twisting action (in the direction
indicated by the arrow R), the second movable table can
make the leg perform the bending and stretching action
(in the direction indicated by the arrow Y), and the third

EP 1 364 636 A1

movable table can make the leg perform the vertically
moving action (in the direction indicated by the arrow Z) .
[0020] In this arrangement, the repositioning appara-
tus according to the invention is suitable for the doctor
to perform repositioning therapy as desired.
[0021] In addition, the swinging arm, the first movable
table, the second movable table, the third movable table
and the lower leg supporting bed can be assembled to
the supporting bed in predetermined sequence, for ex-
ample, of the swinging arm, the third movable table, the
second movable table, the first movable table, and the
lower leg supporting bed in stages, as described above.
[0022] In this arrangement, the construction can be
simplified in comparison with the case in which the each
part, such as the swinging arm, is independently and
separately attached. The sequence of assembling the
swinging arm and so on is not limited thereto, and may
be changed as needed. Even when the sequence of as-
sembly is changed, the effects, which is proportional to
the simplification, are achieved.

[0023] The lower leg supporting bed may include a fix-
ing device for fixing the lower leg of the patient.
[0024] For example, a band is employed as the fixing
device. In this case, a force is effectively transmitted to
the patient's lower leg from the lower leg supporting bed.
[0025] A joint member, which can move freely about
the substantially horizontal axis, and a fourth drive unit
for moving the joint member about the substantially hor-
izontal axis can be interposed between the lower leg
supporting bed and the first movable table.
[0026] In this case, the repositioning apparatus of the
invention can make an ankle perform a bending move-
ment (in the direction indicated by an arrow Q) in the
fore-and-aft direction.

[0027] The repositioning apparatus of the invention
may includes a second joint member that constitutes a

universal joint with the joint member and is able to move
freely about the substantially vertical axis, and a fifth
drive unit for moving the second joint member about the
substantially vertical axis may be interposed between
the lower leg supporting bed and the first movable table.
[0028] In this arrangement, the repositioning appara-
tus of the invention can make the ankle perform a lateral
swinging action (in the direction indicated by an arrow

P)-

[0029] The lower leg supporting bed may include an
auxiliary member, which is capable of expanding and
contracting longitudinally of the lower leg and is, simul-
taneously, detachable.

[0030] In this arrangement, in the normal state, the
burden of the patient can be alleviated by attaching the
auxiliary member to the lower leg supporting bed and
supporting the entire lower leg in the expanded state.
[0031] When having an X-ray taken, the auxiliary
member can be contracted or removed to prevent the
auxiliary member from being X-rayed.
[0032] The lower leg supporting bed may include a
sole pad member for placing a sole of the patient.

[0033] In this arrangement, when making the leg per-
form bending and stretching action in the fore-and-aft
direction, or when making the ankle perform a bending
action in the fore-and-aft direction or laterally moving ac-
5 tion, a force is applied to the entire region of the sole of
the patient, whereby the patient is prevented from being
applied with needless pain.

[0034] The components described above may be
combined with each other as long as possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035]

15 Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a repositioning
apparatus according to the present invention;
Fig. 2 is an explanatory drawing showing an action
that the repositioning apparatus shown in Fig. 1 can
make a leg of a patient perform;
Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the repo-
sitioning apparatus shown in Fig. 1 ;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view, partly in cross section,
of a third drive unit included in the repositioning ap-
paratus shown in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view explaining a
mechanical safety switch in the leg twisting direc-
tion included in the repositioning apparatus shown
in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view for explaining
a mechanical safety switch in the direction of
stretching and bending the leg included in the repo-
sitioning apparatus shown in Fig. 1 ;
Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a control system of the
repositioning apparatus shown in Fig. 1 ; and
Fig. 8 is a drawing showing a joint physical therapy
instrument according to the related art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
EMBODIMENT

[0036] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an entire
repositioning apparatus 5 according to the invention.
The repositioning apparatus 5 is used for giving a leg
K1 of a patient K repositioning therapy, and includes a
supporting bed 50 for supporting at least a lower body
of the patient K who needs positioning therapy on his/
her leg K1 . The patient K is also shown in Fig. 2.
[0037] The supporting bed 50 includes a linearly
formed swinging arm 52 attached so as to be capable
of a swinging motion in a substantially horizontal plane.
More specifically, a mounting plate 53, shown in Fig. 3,
is attached to the supporting bed 50 by a bolt, and the
swinging arm 52 is swingably attached at the proximal
end thereof to the mounting plate 53 via a supporting
pin 53A.

[0038] A positioning bolt 52A is screwed into the
swinging arm 52 in the vicinity of the proximal end there-
of and the neck of the bolt 52A is inserted through an

EP 1 364 636 A1

arcuate guiding groove 53B formed on the mounting
plate 53. In other words, the swinging arm 52 is moved
to a desired position in a state in which the positioning
bolt 52A is loosened, and when positioning is complet-
ed, the positioning bolt 52A is tightened again. The
swinging arm 52 is driven or swung by a manual oper-
ation of a doctor or a practitioner, or by an arm drive unit,
not shown (only a motor included as a driving source is
shown in Fig. 7 as a reference number 120). When
swinging the swinging arm 52 automatically by the arm
drive unit, the positioning bolt 52A described above is
preferably replaced with an electromagnetic chuck (not
shown) or the like to automate positioning and cancel-
lation of positioning.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 1, covers 55A and 55 B for
covering the mounting plate 53 and the swinging arm
52 are provided, and the cover 55 A is formed with an
arcuate hole 55C for avoiding interference with the po-
sitioning bolt 52A.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, a supporting
plate 56 is secured to the free end of the swinging arm
52. The supporting plate 56 includes a caster 56A for
facilitating the swinging motion of the swinging arm 52
on the floor, and a stopper 56B for stopping and fixing
the swinging arm 52 at a desired position. The support-
ing plate 56 is covered with a cover 57 shown in Fig. 1 .
[0041] When swinging the swinging arm 52 automat-
ically by the arm drive unit, the stopper 56B is replaced
by a member that can fix the swinging arm 52, or cancel
the fixation of the swinging arm 52 automatically, in as-
sociation with replacement of the positioning bolt 52A
by the electromagnetic chuck (not shown).
[0042] A lower leg supporting bed 58 for supporting
the lower leg K2 of the patient K is disposed immediately
above the swinging arm 52. The swinging arm 52 is used
for swinging the lower leg supporting bed 58 in a sub-
stantially horizontal plane.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the repositioning
apparatus 5 includes a first movable table 61 for moving
or turning the lower leg supporting bed 58 about a sub-
stantially horizontal axis 60, and a motor 62 as a first
drive unit for rotating the first movable table 61 . The re-
positioning apparatus 5 also includes a third movable
table 64 for moving the lower leg supporting bed 58 in
the substantially vertical direction, a third drive unit 65
for driving the third movable table 64, a second movable
table 67 for moving the lower supporting bed 58 in the
substantially horizontal direction, and a second drive
unit 68 for driving the second movable table 67.
[0044] The swinging arm 52, the first movable table
61 , the second movable table 67, the third movable table
64 and the lower leg supporting bed 58 are mounted to
the supporting bed 50 in stages in a predetermined se-
quence. In the present embodiment, they are mounted
in order of the swinging arm 52, the third movable table
64, the second movable table 67, the first movable table
61 , and the lower leg supporting bed 58 in stages, and
the lower leg supporting bed 58 is mounted to the first

movable table 61 , which is the last stage.

[0045] The order of mounting of the swinging arm 52

and the movable tables 61 , 67, and 64 is not limited to
the present embodiment, and may be vahed as needed.

5 [0046] The swinging arm 52 is used for making the
leg K1 of the patient K shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 perform
a lateral (in the direction of an arrow X) movement, that
is, a swinging movement, or positioning the lower leg
supporting bed 58 at the position corresponding to either

fo one of the left leg or the right leg of the patient K. The
first movable table 61 is used for making the leg K1 of
the patient K perform a twisting action (in the direction
indicated by an arrow R), the second movable table 67
is used for making the leg K1 perform a movement in

?5 the fore-and-aft direction (in the direction indicated by
an arrow Y) , that is, a bending and stretching action,
and the third movable table 64 is used for making the
leg K1 perform the vertical (in the direction indicated by
an arrow Z) movement.

20 [0047] Subsequently, the components described
above will be described.

[0048] The supporting bed 50 for supporting at least
the lower body of the patient K will now be described.
[0049] As shown in Fig. 1 , the supporting bed 50 in-

25 eludes a base 70 as a base portion of the apparatus, a
post 50A fixed at the lower end onto the base 70, and a
hip rest 508 mounted on the upper end of the post 50A
for placing the hip of the patient K. The hip rest 508 is
provided with a column support 50C for placing between

30 the patient K's legs for preventing the patient K from
moving during repositioning therapy.
[0050] The base 70 includes a caster 70A for trans-
porting the repositioning apparatus and a stopper 708
for stopping and fixing the apparatus transported to a

35 desired position.

[0051] Subsequently, the first movable table 61 and
the motor (the first drive unit) 62 for moving the lower
leg supporting bed 58 about the substantially horizontal
axis 60, that is, for making the leg K1 of the patient per-

40 form the twisting action (in the direction indicated by the
arrow R) , and the construction therearound will be de-
scribed.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the first movable
table 61 is formed into a disk shape, and mounted on
45 an output shaft (that will be described later) of the motor
62. The lower leg supporting bed 58 is connected to the
first movable table 61 sequentially via an universal joint
72 and a link-up plate 73.

[0053] The universal joint 72 interposed between the
50 lower leg supporting bed 58 and the first movable table
61 includes a joint member 72A movable, that is, rotat-
able, about the substantially horizontal axis, and a sec-
ond joint member 728, which constitutes the universal
joint 72 together with the joint member 72A, movable,
55 that is, rotatably, about the substantially vertical axis.
[0054] A round seat 73A is formed at the front end of
the link-up plate 73, and the lower end of the second
joint member 728 is fitted to the seat 73A. The rear end

EP 1 364 636 A1

73B of the link-up plate 73 is fitted to the first movable
table 61 .

[0055] Subsequently, the third movable table 64 and
the third drive unit 65 for making the lower leg supporting
bed 58 move in the substantially vertical direction, that
is, for making the leg K1 of the patient perform a verti-
cally moving action (in the direction indicated by the ar-
row Z) , and the construction therearound will be de-
scribed.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 1 , a guide member 75 is pro-
jecting upright from the supporting plate 56 mounted to
the free end of the swinging arm 52. The third movable
table 64 is attached to the guide member 75 so as to be
movable in the vertical direction (in the direction indicat-
ed by the arrow Z). More specifically, as shown in Fig.
3, an intermediate member 76 is attached to the guide
member 75 so as to be capable of moving in the vertical
direction, and an elevating member 77 is attached to the
intermediate member 76 so as to be capable of moving
in the vertical direction. The third movable table 64 is
mounted on the upper end of the elevating member 77.
[0057] More specifically, a track rail 76A is fixed to one
side of the intermediate member 76, and the track rail
76A is guided by a block 75A fixed on the side of the
guide member 75, whereby the intermediate member
76 is guided in the vertical direction.
[0058] Though it is not shown in the drawing, a similar
track rail and a block are fixed on the other side surface
of the intermediate member 76 and on the side of the
elevating member 77 opposing thereto, so that the ele-
vating member 77 is guided in the vertical direction.
[0059] As shown in Fig. 3, racks 75B and 77B are pro-
vided on the opposing surfaces of the guide member 75
and the elevating member 77, respectively. A pinion 76B
provided on the intermediate member 76 engages these
racks 75B and 77B. Accordingly, so called a double-
speed mechanism is constructed.
[0060] A ball screw shaft 79 is provided upright on the
supporting plate 56, and rotatably supported thereby.
On the other hand, the intermediate member 76 is pro-
vided with a ball screw nut 80 integrated therein and the
ball screw shaft 79 is screwed into the ball screw nut 80.
A large diameter toothed belt pulley 82A is fitted on the
lower end of the ball screw shaft 79.
[0061] A motor 83 is disposed in the vicinity of the
toothed belt pulley 82A and a small diameter toothed
belt pulley 82B is fitted on the output shaft of the motor
83. Then a toothed belt 82C is wound around both of
the toothed belt pulleys 82A and 82B.
[0062] The third drive unit 65 is constructed as de-
scribed above. In the construction described above,
when the ball screw shaft 79 is rotated by the operation
of the motor 83, and the ball screw nut 80 screwed on
the ball screw shaft 79 is moved upward and downward,
and then the intermediate member 76 integrally con-
nected to the ball screw nut 80 is moved in the vertical
direction.

[0063] Then, the pinion 76B provided on the interme-

diate member 76 rotates around the rack 75B of the
guide member 75 in the engaged state, and the elevat-
ing member 77 having the rack 77B in engagement with
the pinion 76B moved upward and downward. Conse-
5 quently, the third movable table 64 moved in the vertical
direction and thus movement of the lower leg supporting
bed 58 is achieved.

[0064] The third movable table 64, and hence the low-
er leg supporting bed 58, are movable laterally (in the

fo direction indicated by the arrow X) of the elevating mem-
ber 77. In other words, as shown in Fig. 3, a track rail
85A is attached to the upper end of the elevating mem-
ber 77 so as to extend in the lateral direction. A movable
block 85B is fixed to the lower surface of the third mov-

?5 able table 64, and the movable block 85B movably en-
gages the track rail 85A.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 1 , the cover 87 to 90 for cov-
ering the third movable table 64 and the second drive
unit 68 are provided. However, the cover 87 for covering

20 the third movable table 64 is formed with an opening
87A for enabling a reciprocal movement of the movable
block 85B. The cover 88 for covering mainly the elevat-
ing member 77 is movable vertically of the cover 89 for
covering the guide member 75 on the fixed side.

25 [0066] Subsequently, the second movable table 67
and the second drive unit 68 for moving the lower leg
supporting bed 58 in the substantially horizontally, that
is, for making the leg K1 of the patient perform a move-
ment in the fore-and-aft direction (in the direction of the

30 arrow Y), a bending and stretching action, and the con-
struction therearound will be described.
[0067] The second drive unit 68 includes a linear drive
unit shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows an internal structure
with a cover of the second drive unit 68 removed. As

35 shown in the drawing, the second driving means 68 in-
cludes an outer rail 93 of high rigidity having a U-shape
in cross section, a ball screw shaft 94 disposed in the
hollow portion in the outer rail 93 and rotatably attached
to the outer rail 93 at both ends via bearings, and an

40 inner block 95 including a ball screw nut (not shown) ,
which is screwed on the ball screw shaft 94. The second
movable table 67 is secured on the upper surface of the
inner block 95 with a bolt.

[0068] A motor 97 (shown also in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3) is
45 provided at one end of the outer rail 93. A small diameter
toothed belt pulley 97A is fitted on the output shaft of
the motor 97. A large diameter toothed belt pulley 98 is
connected to one end of the ball screw shaft 94 via a
coupler, and a toothed belt 99 is wound around the both
50 of the toothed belt pulleys 97A and 98.

[0069] The outer rail 93 is formed with ball rolling
grooves 93A on the inner sides, for example, two
grooves each, along the entire length thereof. The inner
block 95 is provided with caterpillar circulating paths in-
55 eluding load ball rolling grooves corresponding to these
ball rolling grooves 93A, and a number of balls 100 is
arranged and stored in each caterpillar circulating paths.
[0070] The second drive unit 68 is constructed as de-

EP 1 364 636 A1

scribed above. In this arrangement, tine ball screw shaft
94 is rotated by the operation of the motor 97, and the
inner block 95 including the ball screw nut, which is
screwed onto the ball screw shaft 94, is moved and
hence the third movable table 67 secured to the inner
block 95 is moved. Therefore, the lower leg supporting
bed 58 is moved in the substantially horizontal direction.
[0071] Though the main construction of the reposi-
tioning apparatus is as described above, a construction
as will be described later is added.
[0072] The joint member 72A of the universal joint 72
shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 (movable or rotatable about
the substantially horizontal axis) includes a hollow motor
102 integrated therein as a fourth drive unit for making
the joint member 72A rotate about its axis of rotation.
The second joint member 72B (movable or rotatable
about the substantially vertical axis) that constitutes the
universal joint 72 together with the joint member 72A
includes a hollow motor 1 04 integrated therein as a fifth
drive unit for making the second joint member 72B rotate
about its axis of rotation.

[0073] In this arrangement, the lower leg supporting
bed 58 is moved in the direction indicated by an arrow
Q by operating the hollow motor 1 02. In other words, the
apparatus can make the ankle K4 of the patient perform
a bending action in the fore-and-aft direction. When an-
other hollow motor 104 is operated, the lower leg sup-
porting bed 58 is moved in the direction indicated by an
arrow P, whereby the apparatus can make the ankle K4
of the patient perform a lateral swinging action.
[0074] As is clear from Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the lower leg
supporting bed 58 is formed into a table having a suita-
ble dimensions for receiving and holding a foot K3 and
the lower side of the lower leg K2 of the patient K.
[0075] The lower leg supporting bed 58 is, as shown
in Fig. 3, attached as needed with an auxiliary table 106,
that is, an auxiliary member, which is capable of expand-
ing and contracting longitudinally of the lower leg K2 and
is, simultaneously, detachable. The auxiliary table 106
has a pair of rods 1 06A, and the auxiliary table is capa-
ble of expanding and contracting, and is detachable by
inserting the rods 1 06A into a sleeve 58A formed on the
lower leg supporting bed 58.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 3, a screw member 108 in-
cludes a handle, which is screwed into the sleeve 58A
from the side surface thereof, for locking the rod 1 06A,
a sole pad member 1 1 0 (for placing the sole of the pa-
tient K) is provided at the end of the lower leg supporting
bed 58, and a band 111 is provided as a fixing device
for fixing'the lower leg K2 of the patient K. A band 1 06B,
as the fixing device for fixing the lower leg (K2) of the
patient K, or the leg K1 in this case, is also provided on
the auxiliary table 1 06.

[0077] The swinging arm 52 is telescopic. More spe-
cifically, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the swinging arm
52 includes a first arm 52C on the proximal side, and a
second arm 52D on the free end side. The first and sec-
ond arms 52C and 52D are adapted to guide each other

in the longitudinal direction. As is clear from Fig. 1 , the
cover 558 for covering the swinging arm 52 also in-
cludes a first cover 55B1 and a second cover 55B2,
which are connected so as to guide each other in the

5 longitudinal direction.

[0078] The second arm 52D and the second cover
5582 are formed with bolt insertion holes 52D1 (the bolt
insertion holes formed on the second cover 55B2 are
not designated by a reference numeral) at the positions

10 corresponding to each other in the longitudinal direction
and at regular intervals, and a bolt 54 is inserted thereto.
The first arm 52C and the second cover 5581 are
formed with screw holes 52C1 and 55812 at the posi-
tions corresponding to the respective bolt insertion

15 holes, so that the bolts 54 can be screwed into these
screw holes 52C1 and 55B12.

[0079] In other words, the swinging arm 52 is tele-
scopically adjusted by loosening the bolts 54 to release
the engaged state between the screw holes 52C1 and

20 55B12, moving the second arm 52D and the second
cover 55B2 with respect to the first arm 52C and the first
cover 5581 to adjust the relative positions of the swing-
ing arm 52 and the cover 558 to obtain a desired length,
and screwing again the bolts 54 into the screw holes

25 55C1 and 5581 2 in this state.

[0080] The telescopic adjustment of the swinging arm
52 is not limited to a manual system as described above,
and may be automated. Although it is not shown in the
drawing in detail, for example, it is realized simply by

30 providing an arm expansion device including a ball
screw mechanism and a driving mechanism, such as a
motor, for operating the ball screw mechanism as shown
in Fig. 4.

[0081] The repositioning apparatus 5 is provides with

35 a device for limiting power transmission so as to prevent
the leg K1 of the patient K from receiving an unreason-
able force from the apparatus. This device has a com-
pletely mechanical structure, and the inventor refers this
to as a mechanical safety switch. The construction of

40 the mechanical safety switch will be described below.
[0082] In the repositioning apparatus, the mechanical
safety switch includes a drive unit for making the leg K1
of the patient K perform the twisting action (in the direc-
tion indicated by an arrow R) and a drive unit for making

45 the same perform the bending and stretching action (in
the direction indicated by the arrow Y) . It is also appli-
cable to provide the mechanical safety switch as needed
on the drive unit for making the patient perform other
actions, such as the laterally moving action (in the di-

50 rection indicated by the arrow X) and the vertically mov-
ing action (in the direction indicated by the arrow Z) of
the leg K1 , the bending action in the fore-and-aft direc-
tion (in the direction indicated by the arrow Q) and the
lateral swinging action (in the direction indicated by the

55 arrow P) of the ankle K4, as a matter of course.

[0083] Fig . 5 shows the mechanical safety switch pro-
vided on a power transmission system from the first
drive unit 62 for making the leg K1 perform the twisting

EP 1 364 636 A1

action (in the direction indicated by tine arrow R).
[0084] In Fig. 5, the first movable table 61 for moving
the lower leg supporting bed 58 (See Fig. 1 and Fig. 3)
about the horizontal axis (60) is formed into a disc
shape, and is fixed to an output shaft 62A of the motor
62, which is the first drive unit for driving the first mov-
able table 61. A cylindrical projection 61 A is formed at
the axis of rotation of the first movable table 61 on the
opposite side from the motor 62, and the projection 61 A
is rotatably fitted into a bearing portion 73C, which is
provided on the link-up plat 73. Accordingly, the link-up
plate 73 can rotate with respect to the first movable table
61.

[0085] The first movable table 61 is formed with a
through hole 61 B, which is shaped like a radially elon-
gated oval in cross section, at the position deviated form
the center of rotation. On the other hand, the link-up
plate 73 is formed with a through screw hole 73E at the
position corresponding to the through hole 61 B. An ad-
justing screw 74A is screwed into the screw hole 73E.
A steel ball 74B is disposed at the distal end of the
threaded portion of the adjusting screw 74A, and the
steel ball 74B is movably inserted into the screw hole
73E. A coil spring 74C is interposed between the adjust-
ing screw 74A and the steel ball 74B in a contracted
state, whereby the steel ball 74B is urged and pressed
against the through hole 61 B with a predetermined
pressing force. The width of the through hole 61 B is set
to a value smaller than the diameter of the steel ball 74B,
and thus the steel ball 74B will never enter into the
through hole 61 B.

[0086] In this arrangement, when making the leg K1
perform the twisting action (in the direction indicated by
the arrow R), a driving force from the motor 62 is trans-
mitted to the lower leg supporting bed 58 via the first
movable table 61, the steel ball 74B, the link-up plate
73, ... in sequence. When an unreasonable force in the
twisting direction is about to be exerted to the leg K1 ,
the steel ball 74B is released from engagement with the
through hole 61 B against an urging force from the coil
spring 74C, and thus no power is transmitted. The "un-
reasonable force" is adjusted in advance by the amount
of tightening of the adjusting screw 74A.
[0087] Subsequently, the mechanical safety switch
provided on a power transmission system from the sec-
ond drive unit 68 (See Fig. 4) for making the leg K1 per-
form the bending and stretching action (in the direction
indicated by the arrow Y) will be described referring to
Fig. 6.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 6, an intermediate plate 96 is
interposed between the second movable table 67 and
the inner block 95 provided on the second drive unit 68
for moving the lower leg supporting bed 58 (See Fig. 1
and Fig. 3) in the substantially horizontal direction, and
the intermediate plate 96 is fixed on the upper surface
of the inner block 95.

[0089] For example, two guiding shafts 96A are ar-
ranged and fixed in parallel in the direction of movement

of the inner block 95 on the upper side of the intermedi-
ate plate 96. A movable block 67A is secured on the
lower surface of the second movable table 67, and the
movable block 67A movably engages the guiding shaft
5 96A. Accordingly, the second movable table 67 is capa-
ble of reciprocating in the direction of movement of the
inner block 95 with respect to the inner block 95 and the
intermediate plate 96.

[0090] The intermediate plate 96 is formed with a

fo through hole 96B, which is laterally (in the direction in-
dicated by the arrow X) elongated oval shape in cross
section. On the other hand, the second movable table
67 is formed with a through screw hole 67B at the posi-
tion corresponding to the through hole 96B, and an ad-

15 justing screw 92A is screwed into the screw hole 67B.
A steel ball 92B is disposed at the distal end of the
threaded portion of the adjusting screw 92A, and the
steel ball 92B is movably fitted into the screw hole 67B.
A coil spring 92C is interposed between the adjusting

20 screw 92A and the steel ball 92B in a contracted state,
whereby the steel ball 92B is urged and pressed against
the through hole 96B with a predetermined pressing
force. The width of the through hole 96B is set to a value
smaller than the diameter of the steel ball 92B, and thus

25 the steel ball 92B will never enter into the through hole
96B.

[0091] In this arrangement, when making the leg K1
perform the bending and stretching action (in the direc-
tion indicated by the arrow Y), a driving force from the

30 motor 97 (see Fig. 4) is transmitted to the lower leg sup-
porting bed 58 via the inner block 95, the intermediate
plate 96, the steel ball 92B, the second movable table
67, ... in sequence. When an unreasonable force in the
stretching or contracting direction is about to be exerted

35 to the leg K1 , the steel ball 92B is released from engage-
ment with the through hole 96B against a urging force
from the coil spring 92C, and thus no power is transmit-
ted. The "unreasonable force" is adjusted in advance by
the amount of tightening of the adjusting screw 92A.

40 [0092] A control system for controlling the reposition-
ing apparatus 5 will be descried referring to Fig. 7.
[0093] As shown in the figure, the control system in-
cludes a control unit 113 for controlling the entire sys-
tem, sensor 1 1 4 for detecting a force exerted on the leg

45 K1 when making the leg K1 perform various actions, a
force display 115 for indicating a force detected by the
sensors 1 1 4, and a portable operation box 1 1 7.
[0094] The control unit 113 is connected to a motor
1 20 included in the arm drive unit (the motor 1 20 is only

50 shown in Fig. 7), and the motors 62, 97, 83, 102, and
1 04 included in the first and fifth drive unit via the drivers
118, 118 ....

[0095] Subsequently, the operation of the reposition-
ing apparatus 5 in the construction described above will
55 be described. As shown in Fig. 1, when giving reposi-
tioning therapy to the leg 1 of the patient K, the patient
K is laid with the lower body placed on the hip rest 50B
of the supporting bed 50 and the upper body supported

EP 1 364 636 A1

by a table (not shown) as needed. The lower leg K2 and
the foot K3 of the patient K is placed on the lower leg

supporting bed 58, and the lower leg K2 is fixed by a
band 111.

[0096] Subsequently, the operation box 1 1 7 is oper-
ated as needed according to repositioning therapy to be
performed, and the swinging arm 52, the first to third
movable tables 61 , 67 and 64, or the joint members 72A
and 72B of the universal joint 72 are driven. In other
words, as shown in Fig. 2, in order to move the leg K1
in the lateral direction (arrow X), the swinging arm 52 is
moved in the direction indicated by the arrow X.
[0097] In order to make the leg K1 perform the twisting
action (in the direction indicated by the arrow R), the first
movable table 61 is rotated. In order to move the leg K1
in the vertical (arrow Z) direction, the third movable table
64 is driven in the vertical direction. In order to make the
leg K1 perform the bending and stretching action in the
fore-and-aft direction (arrow Y) , the second movable ta-
ble 67 is moved in the fore-and-aft direction.
[0098] Further, in order to swing the ankle K4 in the
lateral direction (in the direction indicated by the arrow
P) , the second joint member 72B on the lower side of
the universal joint 72 is rotated in the same direction. In
order to bend the ankle K4 in the fore-and-aft direction
(in the direction indicated by the arrow Q), the joint mem-
ber 72A on the upper side of the universal joint 72 is
rotated in the same direction.

[0099] In the description given thus far, the respective
motors are actuated when the doctor operates the op-
erating box 1 1 7, and thus the swinging arm 52 and other
members are driven to move the leg K1 of the patient K
in the suitable directions. On the other hand, however,
such an operation that the doctor moves the leg K1 by
his own power to a position, which is the best position
for giving repositioning therapy, and makes the appara-
tus recognize that best position is also performed. In
such a case, when an attempt is made to move the leg
K1 of the patient K by the doctor, a maintaining force,
which is exerted by the driving system including the re-
spective motors, blocks the power to move the leg K1 .
[0100] Accordingly, the following construction is em-
ployed.

[0101] The sensors 114 described above can detect
external forces (forces exerted by the doctor and the
like) in any directions along the six axes (indicated by
the arrows X, Y, Z, P, Q and R). The sensors 114 are,
as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, interposed between a seat
member 72A1 formed at the joint member 72A included
in the universal joint 72 and a seat member 1 1 0A formed
on the back side of a sole pad member 1 1 0 on the lower
leg supporting bed 58.

[01 02] In the operation box 1 1 7 shown in Fig. 7, there

is provided a switch for switching the control of the re-
positioning apparatus between the case of moving the
leg K1 to a desired position by the operation of the mo-
tors and the case of moving the leg K1 to the best posi-
tion for the doctor to give repositioning therapy by his/

her own power. The control unit 1 1 3 changes the control
depending on the switching operation. When moving the
leg K1 to a desired position by the operation of the mo-
tors, the control is made in a manner described above,
5 and when the switch is changed to move the leg K1 to
the best position for the doctor to give repositioning ther-
apy by his/her own power, the control is made as de-
scribed below.

[0103] When an attempt is made by the doctor to

10 move the leg K1 to a desired direction, a force in that
direction is exerted on the sensors 1 1 4, and the sensors
114 detect the strength and the direction of the force.
Then, the control unit 113 drives the motor correspond-
ing to that direction in the direction to reduce the power

15 to be exerted by the doctor. The motor is stopped when
the force detected by the sensors 1 1 4 reached zero. Ac-
cordingly, the leg K1 is moved as much as the doctor
intended, and when the doctor stopped exerting a force,
the leg K1 is maintained as it is by the maintaining force

20 of the driving system (motor and the like).

[0104] The inventor refers the above-described oper-
ation, that is, the operation to move the leg K1 to the
best position for giving repositioning therapy by the doc-
tor' s own power, and then make the apparatus recog-

25 nize the position to as direct teaching.

[01 05] As described above, the repositioning appara-
tus 5 includes the supporting bed 50 for supporting at
least the lower body of the patient K to be given reposi-
tioning therapy on his/her leg K1 , the lower leg support-

30 ing bed 58 for supporting the lower leg K2 of the patient
K, the first movable table 61 for moving the lower leg
supporting bed 58 about the substantially horizontal axis
60, the first drive unit 62 for driving the first movable ta-
ble 61 , the second movable table 67 for moving the low-

35 er leg supporting bed 58 in the substantially horizontal
direction, the second drive unit 68 for driving the second
movable table 67, the swinging arm 52 for swinging the
lower leg supporting bed in the substantially horizontal
plane, the third movable table 64 for moving the lower

40 leg supporting bed 58 in the substantially vertical direc-
tion, and the third drive unit 65 for driving the third mov-
able table 64. Therefore, the apparatus can make the
leg K1 perform the twisting action, the bending and
stretching action, the laterally moving action, and the

45 vertically moving action, that is, a single apparatus can
make the leg K1 perform almost all actions required for
repositioning therapy.

[0106] In addition, by the provision of the arm drive
unit 120 for driving the swinging arm 52, the swinging

50 movement of the swinging arm 52 can be made auto-
matically, without depending on the human power.
[01 07] By making the swinging arm 52 telescopic, the
swinging arm 52 can telescopically be adjusted as need-
ed to accommodate any physical constitutions of the pa-

55 tient K, such as small, large, adult, or child.

[0108] By the provision of the arm expansion device
for telescopically adjusting the swinging arm 52, the ad-
justment of the swinging arm 52 can be performed au-

EP 1 364 636 A1

tomatically, and almost no human power is necessary.
[01 09] In addition, the swinging arm 52 makes the leg

K1 perform the laterally moving action, the first movable
table 61 makes the leg K1 perform the twisting action,
the second movable table 67 makes the leg K1 perform
the bending and stretching action, and the third movable
table 64 makes the leg K1 perform the vertically moving
action. This construction is suitable for allowing the doc-
tor or the like to perform repositioning therapy as de-
sired.

[0110] The swinging arm 52, the first movable table
61 , the second movable table 67, the third movable table
64, and the lower leg supporting table 58 can be assem-
bled in stages in a predetermined sequence, for exam-
ple, in sequence as stated in the present embodiment.
In this arrangement, the construction can be simplified
in comparison with the case in which the respective
components are assembled independently and sepa-
rately.

[0111] Since the lower leg supporting bed 58 is pro-
vided with the fixing device (band 111 and the like) for
fixing the lower leg K2 of the patient K, a force can ef-
fectively be transmitted from the lower leg supporting
bed 58 to the leg of the patient K.
[01 1 2] Since the joint members 72A and 72B are pro-
vided so that the lower leg supporting bed 58 can move
about the substantially horizontal axis or the substan-
tially vertical axis, the apparatus can make the ankle K4
bend in the fore-and-aft direction and swing in the lateral
direction.

[0113] Although it is possible to make the leg K1 and
the ankle K4 perform various actions separately and in-
dependently, it is also possible to make them perform at
least two actions simultaneously. For example, by driv-
ing the swinging arm 52 and the joint members 72A and
72B simultaneously, the apparatus can make the leg K1
perform the laterally moving action while making the an-
kle K4 perform the bending movement in the for-and-aft
direction.

[01 14] In addition, since the lower leg supporting bed
58 is provided with an auxiliary member (auxiliary table
1 06) , which is capable of expanding and contracting lon-
gitudinally of the lower leg K2 and freely attached and
detached, in the normal state, the burden of the patient
K can be alleviated by attaching the auxiliary member
to the lower leg supporting bed 58 and supporting the
entire lower leg K2 in the expanded state. In addition,
when having an X-ray taken, the auxiliary member can
be contracted or removed to prevent the auxiliary mem-
ber from being X-rayed.

[0115] Since the lower leg supporting bed 58 is pro-
vided with the sole pad member 1 1 0 for placing the sole
of the patient K, when making the leg K1 perform bend-
ing and stretching action in the fore-and-aft direction, or
when making the ankle K4 perform the bending action
in the fore-and-aft direction or laterally moving action, a
force is applied to the entire region of the sole of the
patient K, whereby the patient K is prevented from being

applied with needless pain.

[0116] Although the drive unit (arm drive unit) for

swinging the swinging arm 52 of the repositioning appa-
ratus 5 is provided in the embodiment described above,
5 the drive unit is not always necessary. If it is not provid-
ed, the swinging arm 52 is swung and fixed to a desired
position by a human power.

[0117] As is described thus far, the repositioning ap-
paratus according to the invention includes a supporting

10 bed for supporting at least the lower body of a patient,
who needs repositioning therapy on his/her leg, a lower
leg supporting bed for supporting the lower leg of the
patient, a first movable table for allowing the lower leg
supporting bed about a substantially horizontal axis, the

15 first drive unit for driving the first movable table, a sec-
ond movable table for moving the lower leg supporting
bed in the substantially horizontal direction, and the sec-
ond drive unit for driving the second movable table.
[0118] In this arrangement, since the repositioning

20 apparatus can make the lower leg of the patient perform
the twisting action and the bending and stretching ac-
tion, which are inevitable action for repositioning the pa-
tient's lower leg, the burden of the doctor or the practi-
tioner, who gives repositioning therapy, can be alleviat-
es ed, time required for repositioning therapy may be sig-
nificantly shortened, and the number of staffs can be re-
duced, thereby enabling the doctor or the practitioner to
give repositioning therapy to a number of patients a day.
[0119] In addition, the repositioning apparatus ac-

30 cording to the invention includes the swinging arm for
swinging the lower leg supporting bed in a substantially
horizontal plane, the third movable table for moving the
lower leg supporting bed in the substantially vertical di-
rection, and the third drive unit for driving the third mov-

35 able table. Therefore, the apparatus can make the pa-
tient's lower leg perform not only the twisting action and
the bending and stretching action, but also the laterally
moving action and the vertically moving action, the re-
positioning apparatus can make the patient's lower leg

40 perform almost all the actions that is required for repo-
sitioning the lower leg.

[0120] In addition, by the provision of the arm drive
unit for driving the swinging arm, the swinging motion of
the swinging arm may be generated automatically with-

45 out depending on the human power.

[01 21 ] Since the swinging arm is telescopic, the repo-
sitioning apparatus of the invention can cope with pa-
tients of any physical constitutions, such as small, large,
adult, child, and so on, by telescopically adjusting the

50 swinging arm.

[0122] Since the arm expansion device for telescopi-
cally adjusting the swinging arm is provided, the swing-
ing arm can telescopically be adjusted automatically,
and thus almost no human power is necessary.

55 [0123] The swinging arm can make the leg perform
the laterally moving action, the first movable table can
make the leg perform the twisting action, the second
movable table can make the leg perform the bending

EP 1 364 636 A1

and stretching action, and tine third movable table can
make the leg perform the vertically moving action. This
arrangement is suitable for the doctor to perform repo-
sitioning therapy as desired.

[0124] The swinging arm, the first movable table, the
second movable table, the third movable table and the
lower leg supporting bed can be assembled to the sup-
porting bed in predetermined sequence in stages, for
example, as described above. In this arrangement, the
construction can be simplified in comparison with the
case in which the each part, such as the swinging arm,
is independently and separately attached.
[0125] Since the lower supporting bed may include
the fixing device for fixing the lower leg of the patient K,
a force is effectively transmitted from the lower leg sup-
porting bed to the leg of the patient.
[01 26] Since the joint member is provided for making
the lower leg supporting bed movable about the sub-
stantially horizontal axis, or about the substantially ver-
tical axis, the repositioning apparatus can make the an-
kle perform the bending movement in the fore-and-aft
direction and the laterally moving action.
[0127] Although it is possible to make the leg and the
ankle perform various actions separately and independ-
ently, it is also possible to make them perform at least
two actions simultaneously. For example, by driving the
swinging arm and the joint members simultaneously, the
apparatus can make the leg perform the laterally moving
action while making the ankle perform the bending
movement in the for-and-aft direction.
[0128] In addition, since the lower leg supporting bed
is provided with the auxiliary member, which is capable
of expanding and contracting longitudinally of the lower
leg and freely attached and detached, in the normal
state, the burden of the patient can be alleviated by at-
taching the auxiliary member to the lower leg supporting
bed and supporting the entire lower leg in the expanded
state. In addition, when having an X-ray taken, the aux-
iliary member can be contracted or removed to prevent
the auxiliary member from being X-rayed.
[01 29] Since the lower leg supporting bed is provided
with the sole pad member for placing the sole of the pa-
tient, when making the leg perform bending and stretch-
ing action in the fore-and-aft direction, or when making
the ankle perform the bending action in the fore-and-aft
direction or laterally moving action, a force is applied to
the entire region of the sole of the patient, whereby the
patient is prevented from being applied with needless
pain.

Claims

1. A repositioning apparatus comprising:

a supporting bed for supporting at least a lower
body of a patient, who will be given reposition-
ing therapy;

a lower leg supporting bed for supporting a low-
er leg of the patient;

a first movable table for allowing the lower leg
supporting bed about a substantially horizontal
5 axis and a first drive unit for driving the first

movable table;

a second movable table for moving the lower

leg supporting bed in the substantially horizon-
tal direction and a second drive unit for driving
10 the second movable table.

2. A repositioning apparatus comprising:

a supporting bed for supporting at least a lower
15 body of a patient, who will be given reposition-

ing therapy;

a lower leg supporting bed for supporting a low-
er leg of the patient;

a first movable table for allowing the lower leg

20 supporting bed about a substantially horizontal

axis and a first drive unit for driving the first
movable table;

a second movable table for moving the lower
leg supporting bed in the substantially horizon-
25 tal direction and a second drive unit for driving

the second movable table;
a swinging arm for swinging the lower leg sup-
porting bed in a substantially horizontal plane;
and

30 a third movable table for moving the lower leg

supporting bed in the substantially vertical di-
rection, and a third drive unit for driving the third
movable table.

35 3. A repositioning apparatus according to Claim 2, fur-
ther comprising an arm drive unit for driving the
swinging arm.

4. A repositioning apparatus according to Claim 2,
40 wherein the swinging arm is telescopic.

5. A repositioning apparatus according to Claim 2, fur-
ther comprising an arm expansion device for tele-
scopically adjusting the swinging arm.

6. A repositioning apparatus according to Claim 2,
wherein the swinging arm can make the leg perform
the laterally moving action, the first movable table
can make the leg perform the twisting action, the

50 second movable table can make the leg perform the
bending and stretching action, and the third mova-
ble table can make the leg perform the vertically
moving action.

55 7. A repositioning apparatus according to Claim 2,
wherein the swinging arm, the first movable table,
the second movable table, the third movable table
and the lower leg supporting bed are assembled to

EP 1 364 636 A1

the supporting bed in a predetermined sequence in
stages.

8. A repositioning apparatus according to Claim 2,
wherein the swinging arm, the third movable table, 5
the second movable table, the first movable table,
and the lower leg supporting bed are assembled in

sequence in stages.

9. A repositioning apparatus according to Claim 1, io
wherein the lower leg supporting bed comprises a
fixing device for fixing the lower leg of the patient.

10. A repositioning apparatus according to Claim 1,
wherein a joint member, which can move freely i5
about the substantially horizontal axis, and a fourth
drive unit for moving the joint member about the
substantially horizontal axis are interposed be-
tween the lower leg supporting bed and the first
movable table. 20

1 1 . A repositioning apparatus according to Claim 1 , fur-
ther comprising: a second joint member that consti-
tutes a universal joint with the joint member and is
able to move freely about the substantially vertical 25
axis; and a fifth drive unit for moving the second joint
member about the substantially vertical axis inter-
posed between the lower leg supporting bed and

the first movable table.

12. A repositioning apparatus according to Claim 1,
wherein the lower leg supporting bed comprises an
auxiliary member, which is capable of expanding
and contracting longitudinally of the lower leg and

is, simultaneously, freely attached and detached. 35

13. A repositioning apparatus according to Claim 1,
wherein the lower leg supporting bed comprises a
sole pad member for placing a sole of the patient.

EP 1 364 636 A1

FIG. 1

EP 1 364 636 A1

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EP 1 364 636 A1

European Patent
Office

EUROPEAN SEARCH REPORT

^^>plication Number

EP Q3 Gi 0137

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Full text of "USPTO Patents Application 10597633"

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